3D printed micro-optics for quantum technology

Making quantum networks a reality relies crucially on building efficient optical fiber-based quantum light sources. Here, scientists in Germany present an advanced manufacturing approach to accomplish this task. Femtosecond 3D printing is used to create complex micrometer-sized optics to both enhance the single-photon extraction efficiency of semiconductor quantum dots and couple their emission into single-mode optical fibers. This compact on-chip solution enables high coupling efficiency into a single-mode fiber with high-rate single-photon emission.